A Question of Science Who Owns Space?
Oct 29, 2025
Join a stellar conversation with Carly Howett, Associate Professor of Space Instrumentation, Jill Stuart, space ethics expert, Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, and Sanjeev Gupta, Professor of Planetary Science. They delve into who truly owns space and the implications of space tourism and asteroid mining. The panel explores the risks of space debris, the importance of international collaboration through the ISS, and whether owning a star is a reality or a scam. Ethical considerations and future conflicts in off-world colonies spark thought-provoking insights!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Close Legal Gaps On Space Resources
- Clarify legal rules now because states and companies are already passing domestic laws on space resources.
- Jill Stuart warns that debates about resource claims, distribution, and treaty gaps are urgent and unresolved.
You Can't Legally Buy A Star
- Jill Stuart explains commercial star-selling companies resell the same plots repeatedly.
- Carly Howett suggests naming asteroids via discoverers as a reliable way to get a space name.
Operations Could De Facto Claim Lunar Land
- The Moon may become practically partitioned by 'safety zones' and operational footprints.
- Helen Sharman warns Artemis-style safety zones could functionally block access without legal ownership.
